Expectations

Come to class with an open mind.
Be willing to take creative risks.
Come to class prepared to do the work that is assigned to the best of your ability.
Manage and use class time effectively to complete work in a timely fashion.
Treat teacher, fellow students and yourself with respect.
Use the equipment, materials and technology responsibly.

Studio Rules
1. No uncovered drinks and food in the computer lab!
2. Clean up after yourself. The studio must be clean at the end of the class.
3. Listening to music is permitted when I am not directly teaching and as long as you are wearing headphones.
5. Electronic devices (iPads, cell phones) may be used with discretion, if it is a part of studio work. Texting or phone calls are not permitted unless you have permission. I reserve the right to confiscate your device until the end of class. Egregious misuse of your iPad will result in appropriate action (see: responsible use policy)
6. Ask others before asking me, You are each others best and primary resource. Build a community of learners.

Grading
Grading for the course is as follows:

General Assessment 40%
Assignments & E-Portfolio 60%

General Assessment is the student’s overall behavior, attitude, personal growth and participation in class - how well they are meeting the goals and expectations of the class.

The E-Portfolio is made up of unit grades. Unit grades are made up from assignments 60%

The Final course grade is made up from the combined General Assessment and E-Portfolio grade plus the mid-term (written test and/or project) and final exam (project).


Grading Criteria

Unlike many other subjects, assessing a student's study in the arts, is more difficult to quantify in the typical sense. The grading of creative work is to a large extent subjective. In the end the degree of effort extended and the amount of growth achieved are more important than making superficially correct work. I would rather a student fail beautifully because they tried to extend beyond their own limitations, than to make the safe or “correct” choice.
Design grading Policy:
Homework
If homework is not completed for the start of the class on due dates, you will be given the opportunity to complete it THAT day. You will need to turn it in to me before school begins the very next day. To turn something in ‘the next day’, means next school day, not next class period.
Assignments:
The majority of work is done in class; therefore, there is no excuse for missing assignments. Due dates and deadlines are given far enough in advance, and are extremely fair. All re-worked/re-submitted pieces are due 2 weeks before the end of each semester, at the latest. You will need to complete a re-submittal plan, and get it approved by me before the original project is graded.
You have 1 week to make up any work from an excused absence. This includes projects, assignments, etc. It is the student’s responsibility to check for missed assignments in a timely manner and to turn in missing work. In emergencies and serious illnesses, obviously other accommodations between the student and teacher will be arranged.

What follows below are the guidelines that I use while assessing and deciding on a grade for a unit (a unit includes activities, projects and any sketchbook assignments).

A
All of the work in a given unit is present and fully complete in the e-portfolio. The work rises above the average by virtue of the depth of knowledge that is demonstrated. Critical thinking and making are clearly present. The work indicates a particularly strong effort to go beyond what is comfortable and known. The work shows an excellent grasp of the concepts and techniques explored in the assignment. It shows attention to detail and creative risk taking. The unit, activity or project exceeds expectations and is completed in a timely fashion.

B
A clear majority of the work is present and substantially complete. It shows good effort, good grasp of the basic concepts and techniques of the project, good creative thinking and problem solving. Many details are present and there is evidence of risk taking and some attempt to push beyond the comfort zone. The work fulfills the expectations of the unit, activity or project and is completed in a timely fashion

C
Most of the work is present and complete. The work shows some effort and a beginning grasp of the concepts and techniques of the project. There is minimal creative thinking and problem solving demonstrated in the work. Few risks are taken and their is little attempt to challenge the limits of their knowledge. The work fulfills some of the expectations of the activity or project and may or may not be completed in a timely fashion

D
The majority of the work is not present and/or not complete in the e-portfolio. The work shows little or no effort, grasp of concepts and techniques, creative thinking or problem solving. There is little evidence of creative risk taking or growth. The work does not fulfill the expectations of the activity or project. The work has not been completed in a timely fashion.

F
There is no effort to meet the basic goals and expectations of the course. Work is not present in the e-portfolio, and the student makes no effort to participate in and/or attend the class.